Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1887-05-29
RESTORED TO SIGHT.
AN INTERESTING SURGICAL OPERATION
By Which an Rnavlle Man Is Relieved of the
Effects Of an Injury to One Of His Eyes
Received in Wales Years Aga
Credit to Wheeling.

A REGISTER reporter recently learned OF
a rare case of restoration to sight which
occurred in this city, aud which reflects
great credit on the scientific requirements
and surgical skill of a Wheeling profess
sioDal gentleman. Believing that the uar-
rative Of the case in detail would interest
the general public, and perhaps result in
benefit to others who are similarly afflicted,
some inquiries were made, which developed
the facts given below. The story is not
only interesting, but strictly true, and If
any person feels an interest Ill 1t and de-
sires to investigate further, Mr.. Totterdale
can be seen at any time at his work, and
will no doubt be glad to s~ubStantiate
every statement made.
Lewis Totterdale is an iron worker, and
n native of Wales. He is now employed
rs "A boiler at the Etna Sheet Iron Mill,
over the river. In the month of March,
1873, while at work in an iron mill in
the town of Brinton Ferry, South Wales,
he was severely burned by a flash of iron
from IA hot mass of the metal which was
being shaped by a steam hammer. The
molten metal burned his left eye so severely
that the ball was penetrated and the iris
wounded, and the lids were burned to such
IN extent that when they began TO heal
they grew together at the edges and also
adhered to the eye ball over Its entire sur
face.
Since the accident this eye has been use
less, aud Mr.. Totterdale WAS practically
blind, seeing barely well enough to con-
tinue his work.
About a month after the accident, Tot
terdale went to Bristol, and was operated
upon by a competent specialist, one of the
staff of the Royal Eye lniirmary in that
city. From this operation he received
practically no benefit, and he concluded
that it was no use to attempt to restore
bis sight.
To-day, however, thirteen years and
more after this serious accident occurred,
Mr.. Totterdale can use both eyes almost
as well Us ever. For this happy relief he
Is indebted to DIR. S. NJ. SlOcum, the well
known Oculist and aurist of this city, al
whose Eye and Ear Iniirmary, at No. 6S
Sixteenth street, the operation was per
formed which restored the man to sight.
Few cities of the size of Wheeling can boast
OF such an institution rs DR.. Sl0Cum's
Infirmary; indeed, few cities of any
size can excel it except in size. IT.
completeness in all the requisites
for the treatment Of every de-
scriptiOn of affections of the eye and cal
strikes the visitor at once, and DR.. SlOcum
has fairly won a high reputation by sue,
cessiul treatment Of stubborn diseases and
injuries in his special line. In no case,
however, has he achieved a result more
beneticcnt to the patient, more crcdltablt
to himself or more interesting To the pub,
lie, than the one just referred to, by which
Mr.. Totterdale's injured eye was restored
to its normal condition of health and use
fulness.
The injured lids were first separated,
and the two lids then Cut loose from the
ball. This delicate and difficult operation
was, However, only preparatory work,
| The eve was still useless. To restore it to
sight, the operation known to surgery a.
"iridectomy'' was necessary. This opera
ton consists in creating by artificial mean:
anew pupil, and was the method attempted
ut the Bristol institution, where, however,
il did not succeed. An decision was first
made, by which access to the ball was Sc
cured. The iris was then grasped with q
fine instrument, pulled ont, and cut
This opens a new pupil, and the eye grad
ually assumes its original functions.
Eventually Mr.. Totterdale will see as
well as ever. At first the eyelids are, OF
course, more or less inflamed from the op'
Grafton, and the new pupil o~ver.sensitire
from having been so long effectually yelled
from the light. Gradually, however, these
difficulties will disappear; and Mr.. TOtter'
dale will see as well as before his accident
in 1873. Shortly after the operation he
found himself able to read diamond print
a foot distant from his .eye-an admitted
test of the normal condition of his sight.
Wheeling can point with pride to a
specialist who accomplishes such results.
DR.. SlOcum is an educated physician,
whose work speaks for itself. This is but
one case, though a conspicuous one, where
his skill has been successful. Persons
having weak or defective sight or hearing
should consult him.
WaIered Silks in Black n COlOrsr